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Nissan calls its NISMO 370Z a tuner enthusiast's dream but, with its tuned suspension and 350 HP V6, a lot of the tuning is already done.
As with the previous generation NISMO 350Z, the engineers at Nissan decided to tweak every dimension of the 370Z. Curiously, horsepower for the new NISMO 370 jumps to 350 HP @ 7,400 RPM, an increase of 18 HP over the standard 370Z. Torque is also up, reaching 276 lb-ft of twist @ 5,200 RPM. The minor bump in power comes courtesy of a NISMO-tuned dual exhaust.
Keeping the freer breathing Z planted on the track is a NISMO strut tower brace and new performance dampers. Power is routed through a new viscous limited-slip differential and braking is courtesy of Nissan sport brakes (similar to the Sport model).
The most obvious change is the new exterior, which, like Red Bull, gives the car wings. The new look is supposed to aid in aerodynamics and downforce but mostly just takes the 370Z, already walking the edge between sexy and strange, to a weird place.
The vehicle goes on sale this June for an as-of-yet undisclosed price. Keep your eye on our New York Auto Show coverage for more information.
At a Glance: 2009 Nissan NISMO 370ZThe all-new, second generation NISMO 370Z, which is set to go on sale at Nissan dealers
nationwide in June 2009, continues the tradition of the original by offering unique
performance and design attributes that true sports car enthusiasts are looking for – straight
from the factory. Like the limited production NISMO 350Z introduced two years earlier, the
new NISMO 370Z is a tuner-Z® enthusiast's dream, featuring 350 horsepower and 276 lb-ft
of torque, racing-inspired exterior and interior styling, a specially tuned suspension and
special super-lightweight forged alloy wheels. The NISMO 370Z was developed by Nissan's
Specialty Vehicles Group in conjunction with Autech Japan, Nissan's longstanding conversion
partner.The NISMO 370Z's standard 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift
Control (VVEL) combines with a refined 4-wheel independent suspension and advanced FM
(Front Midship) platform to offer responsive performance and handling. The NISMO Z®'s
exclusive H-configured exhaust system design, muffler tuning and optimized ECM (Engine
Computer Module) control help provide responsive upper end power. As expected of a true
performance machine, the NISMO 370Z is offered with only one transmission – a close-ratio
6-speed manual transmission with standard "SynchroRev Match," the world's first
synchronized downshift rev matching manual transmission (which allows perfectly matched
heel-toe-like downshifting).The NISMO 370Z also features a NISMO-branded strut tower brace for enhanced body
rigidity and a pair of performance dampers to manage road-input vibrations and help
contribute to the NISMO 370Z's high levels of stability and performance feel. The NISMO-
tuned suspension includes special springs and stabilizer bars. Unique 5-spoke 19-inch RAYS
forged aluminum-alloy wheels are mounted with Yokohama ADVAN Sport Y-rated high-
performance tires. Nissan Sport Brakes and a Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD) are
also standard on all NISMO 370Zs.Along with its standout performance, the new NISMO Z® stands out from the crowd with its
dramatic performance-oriented exterior and interior. The functional and fully integrated
aerodynamic body pieces include an extended front nose with a canard design at each
corner for improved downforce and a fully integrated chin spoiler. Special side sills and a
unique rear bumper help control airflow under the vehicle, while the functional rear spoiler
also increases downforce.The interior includes NISMO logo seats with black and red fabric and red stitching, a NISMO
tachometer, steering wheel with smooth leather and red parallel stitching, smooth leather-
wrapped shift knob and aluminum trimmed pedals. A serialized plaque of authenticity is
also matched to each NISMO Z®, identifying its unique serial and model year designation.Highlights of the 2009 Nissan NISMO 370Z include:
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Body:
• A high-rigidity body with a dynamic presence and aerodynamic design
• Special NISMO 370Z styling with wide, strong stance expressing dynamic movement
• Unique, fully integrated NISMO body design, including an extended front nose design
with optimized shape for managing airflow, an integrated front chin spoiler, side sills,
and a unique rear bumper and rear spoiler designed to maximize downforce
• 174.3-inch overall length
• Enhanced body rigidity with a NISMO strut tower bar and front and rear Performance
Dampers to manage body damping of vibrations from road input via the tires
• Lightweight aluminum hood, doors and hatchback
• High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon headlights and LED brake lights with
distinctive "boomerang" design
• Signature vertical door handles, dual remote control mirrors
• Electric rear window defroster
• Front fender-mounted "flashing" Z® emblems/sidemarkers
• Polished exhaust tips
• Five available colors: Pearl White, Brilliant Silver, Magnetic Black, Solid Red and
Platinum GraphiteEngine and Driveline
• Front engine/rear-wheel drive
• Fourth-generation VQ series 3.7-liter engine, 24-valve DOHC V6 (VQ37VHR), rated at
350 horsepower @ 7,400 RPM, 276 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 RPM, red engine cover
• Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) system
• Micro-finished crankshaft and camshaft; small pitch, silent cam chain; drive-by-wire
throttle
• Standard 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission with "SynchroRev Match," the world's
first synchronized downshift rev matching manual transmission allowing perfectly
matched heel-toe-like downshifting
• NISMO-tuned dual exhaust with H-pipe configuration and larger diameter tubes for
reduced exhaust pressure
• Carbon Fiber composite driveshaft
• Standard Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD)Suspension, Steering and Braking
• NISMO-tuned 4-wheel independent multi-link suspension with use of lightweight
aluminum components
• Double-wishbone front suspension, rear multi-link suspension; NISMO front strut tower
bar; high response shock absorbers
• Large diameter front and rear hollow NISMO-tuned stabilizer bars
• Vehicle speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering
• Power-assisted vented front and rear disc brakes, 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA)
• Nissan Sport Brakes with 14.0-inch front/13.8-inch rear rotors and 4-piston front/2-
piston rear aluminum calipers
• Unique NISMO-branded 19-inch RAYS super lightweight 5-spoke forged-alloy wheels –
19x9.5-inch front, 19x10.5-inch rear
• Yokohama ADVAN Sport P245/40R19 front and P285/35R19 rear tires, Y-rated- 3 -
Interior Features
• High quality interior with innovative, driver-centric "three-layer" design with information,
operation and holding layers
• 2-passenger seating with unique driver and passenger seat designs and functions
• Distinctive black and red seat trim with NISMO logo
• Unique smooth leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob
• NISMO signature red stitching on the steering wheel, seats, center instrument panel,
instrument panel console lid, door trim and knee pads
• NISMO tachometer
• NISMO 370Z plaque of authenticity with serial number and model year designation
• Aluminum-trimmed pedals
• Driver's seat shaped to help hold the body firmly in place without interfering with
shifting • 8-way manual driver's seat, 4-way manual passenger's seat with manual seatback fold-
down function
• 3-bay gauge pods, tilt steering column with integrated instrument cluster
• Adjustable front head restraints
• Standard automatic temperature control
• Power windows with auto one-touch up and down feature
• Power door locks with auto locking feature
• Two 12-volt power outlets, four cupholders (two in door panels, two in center console)
• Standard cruise control
• Standard Nissan Intelligent Key™ with Push Button IgnitionSafety and Security
• Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags
with seat belt and occupant classification sensors
• Front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags
• Roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags
• 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
• 3-point ALR/ELR seatbelts (driver's seatbelt ELR only)
• Front seat Active Head Restraints
• Zone Body Construction
• Energy-absorbing steering column
• Standard Vehicle Security System
• Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
• Standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)Models
• NISMO 370Z Coupe offered in one model (6-speed manual transmission only)
Send an email to Matt Hardigree, the author of this post, at matt@jalopnik.com.
Original material is licensed under a Creative Commons License permitting non-commercial sharing with attribution.
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